Experience Singing Mountain
If you’ve been to our newest signature park, Skyline Park, you’ve probably seen Singing Mountain. Sitting at the highest point in the park, Singing Mountain is a large-scale public artwork designed by local artist and architect Nicholas DeBruyne. The piece was chosen from more than 168 entries by the Easton Park Public Art Committee. This kinetic wind sculpture has three angled steel and timber columns that reach out of the hill toward the sky. The columns are ringed by 5,000 reflective stainless steel rods, creating a pavilion-like space under the sculpture where people can gather. Stone benches surround the base, giving visitors spots to sit as they look up through the middle of the piece.
Inspired by nature
The vision for the piece came from the site itself. “I wanted to make a piece that was rooted in the place,” Nicholas said. “This structure will look like it was part of the hill, crowning the top of it and framing the view of downtown.”
In the center of the piece, three red wind paddles spin as they catch the breezes above. Each of the three paddles transmits its kinetic energy through to a clapper that strikes a giant tubular chime. Nicholas worked with Austin’s Music of the Spheres, one of the preeminent wind chime companies in the world, to choose three complementary tones that make a harmonious chord when played together. “We’re really lucky, because we looked at companies all over the country and one of the best is here in Austin,” Nicholas said. “For this project, we have three chime tubes, each with its own wind paddle. As the fins of the paddles move with the breeze, they’ll strike the chimes and make a beautiful triad chord.”
Making a mountain
Nicholas worked closely with the fabrication team, as well as an engineer and the landscape architect, to ensure the final piece fit the site. “I love the intersection of art and architecture – the boundaries are really blurred for me,” Nicholas said. “I really wanted to create a simple and beautiful gesture, a place of connection for the community where everyone could come together to enjoy that view.”
Easton Park loves public art
If you’re inspired by this piece, you have to see all of the amazing art that’s spread throughout Easton Park. Come out and visit the Arch in Bryant Park and the Vase Bench, as well as the Air Seed Arbor in Discovery Park. Or stop by our latest art commissions, The Lion Family in Prospect Park and See You Later in Pilot Park.
If you want to be able to walk to live in a neighborhood with he(art), come be our neighbor in Easton Park.
